Japan has issued a strong protest following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands, marking his first trip to the disputed territory. The visit took place on Thursday, focusing on Iturup Island, known in Japan as Etorofu.
The Kuril Islands, located between Japan's Hokkaido and Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, have been a long-standing source of tension. Japan claims the four southernmost islands, referring to them as the Northern Territories, while Russia administers them.
Historical and diplomatic context:
- At the end of World War II, the Soviet Union annexed the Kurils and displaced approximately 17,000 Japanese residents.
- The territorial dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty since the war.
- Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized that the islands are "inherently Japanese territory both historically and under international law," condemning Putin’s visit.
During his visit, Putin engaged with local residents and sampled fish roe, according to Russian state media. The island of Iturup serves as Russia’s main military air base in the region, underscoring its strategic importance.
Japan has previously objected to visits by Russian officials, including Prime Ministers Mikhail Mishustin and Dmitry Medvedev. The dispute remains unresolved despite multiple diplomatic efforts, and Japan has maintained sanctions on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Recent military activities have heightened tensions, with joint Chinese-Russian naval patrols near the islands and frequent Russian military drills, actions Japan has condemned.
